2002_Annual_EnergyA

Energy Availability in Connecticut (February 2002)

In 2001, the program review committee undertook two reviews of energy-related issues. Early in the year, the committee authorized a study of energy management by state government, examining the effectiveness of the state's efforts to manage demand for energy and procure energy supplies efficiently. In August 2001, the committee voted to temporarily set aside that study to look at the broader question of the availability of energy in Connecticut for all categories of consumers. (The original study was completed in October 2002, and the results are summarized in the Digest section of this annual report.)

The key focus of the availability study was on identifying the factors that affect the supply of and demand for energy in Connecticut and examining the opportunities the legislature has to influence those factors. The study also looked at other public and private parties whose actions might affect the quantity and price of the energy available within the state. The role of energy conservation and the existence of alternative fuels also were considered.

The committee found the availability of energy is dependent on a number of disparate elements, many of which are inter-related, including economic conditions, energy conservation efforts, regulatory requirements, grid reliability concerns, environmental considerations, the weather, and geographic location. One of the best short-term opportunities the legislature has to influence the overall energy situation in the state is through efforts related to energy conservation, including both improved efficiency and curtailment of consumption.

The committee adopted two recommendations seeking to enhance energy conservation. The key recommendation called for state government to serve as a model energy consumer.


Summary of Compliance with Committee Recommendations
*Recommendation*	*Status*	*Comments*
Amend C.G.S. Sec. 16a-48 to require a review of the state's energy efficiency standards for appliances at least every four years. As part of that process, new products appropriate for inclusion within the requirements of the statute should be identified.	Pending	The program review committee raised legislation in 2002 to implement this recommendation, but the bill (HB 5473) died in the Energy Committee. Program review re-introduced the bill in the 2003 legislation session (HB 6459), and the outcome will not be known until mid-year.
The State of Connecticut should endeavor to be a model energy consumer. As such, it should identify and demonstrate best practices for reducing the quantity of energy consumed and diversifying the mix of fuel sources used in a variety of settings.	Partial	The Department of Public Works is coordinating energy conservation projects at a number of state locations, while the Office of Policy and Management is continuing to work on group purchasing efforts. The committee's study Energy Management By State Government included specific proposals to improve the way the state manages and reports on its consumption of energy, and compliance with those activities will be monitored during 2003.